It was a very sad day when we had to say goodbye to our dear, sweet Golden Retriever. Boe was fourteen years old—two years older than the life expectancy for his breed. Faithfully, he had watched over our family. Dutifully and tirelessly, he followed me everywhere I went. Quite literally, he never let me out of his sight.
It was his job, or so he thought, to be my protector and guardian. He took his job very seriously. Even up to the very end, he lumbered up the stairs behind me, lying at my feet as I worked in my office. I attempted to keep him downstairs since it was getting difficult for him to navigate the steps, but he would have none of it. If I blocked off the stairs, he would sit at the bottom of the steps and cry. He simply had to be by my side no matter what.
Our faithful companion was always there to greet our family at the door. We couldn’t have asked for a better pet. The fourteen years that he devoted to our family were such a blessing. The void in our hearts upon his departure was as big as a canyon. He is greatly missed.
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die… a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1-2; 4)
I don’t know how you feel about pets and their value in this world, but I happen to believe dogs can teach us much about the character of God. I’m not building a theology here—just making an observation. Yes, dogs are animals, but God created them. Throughout creation we see glimpses of God in His magnificent handiwork. Dogs are no exception.
The Lord placed some great qualities in the nature of dogs. They are extremely loyal and offer unlimited forgiveness. Even the tiniest of breeds are brave protectors. Last, but certainly not least, they offer unconditional love.
Let’s see…. extremely loyal, unlimited forgiveness, fierce protection, and unconditional love—sounds a lot like the God I have come to know.
Could it be that God placed these characters traits in our canine friends so we could get a little glimpse of Him each and every day? After all—God spelled backwards is dog.
Boe left an indelible mark on my heart, and it hasn’t been the same since.
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted
and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18)
“And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)
“My soul clings to you;
your right hand upholds me.” (Psalm 63:8)
Well said. God will heal this hurt and fill that void. I love you.
Dear Rae Lynn and family,
I found much comfort in this poem after we lost our 20+year old schnoodle, Abby. What a blessing she was to our family all those years. Actually, I found this poem many years before she left us. I kept it taped in my kitchen cabinet never expecting to actually live this prayer out. I did pray we would not have to make that dreadful decision one day. God was so good to allow us to hold her for 4 hours expressing our love to her before she died on my birthday. It was a prayer answered. I agree with you Rae Lynn, we saw the character of God through our little 18 pound Abby and we will always remember her.
Thinking & praying for you on the loss of Boe. My heart aches for you, but eventually your tears will be replaced with a sweet smile remembering his special place in your lives. God bless you.
Love and hugs,
Lori
A Dog’s Prayer
Treat me kindly, my beloved master, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of me.
Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I should lick your hand between the blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me do.
Speak to me often, for your voice is the world’s sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footstep falls upon my waiting ear.
When it is cold and wet, please take me inside… for I am now a domesticated animal, no longer used to bitter elements… and I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth… though had you no home, I would rather follow you through ice and snow than rest upon the softest pillow in the warmest home in all the land… for you are my god… and I am your devoted worshiper.
Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for although I should not reproach you were it dry, I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst. Feed me clean food, that I may stay well, to romp and play and do your bidding, to walk by your side, and stand ready, willing and able to protect you with my life, should your life be in danger.
And, beloved master, should the Great Master see fit to deprive me of my health or sight, do not turn me away from you. Rather hold me gently in your arms as skilled hands grant me the merciful boon of eternal rest…and I will leave you knowing with the last breath I drew, my fate was ever safest in your hands.
Remember me not with tearful eyes…but instead with an abounding heart. Should you choose to fill my bed, feel no guilt, you have not betrayed me. Love another as you always loved me…
And they too will love you al I always have.
–Beth Norman Harris